A major overhaul of controversial bail laws came into effect on May 20, making it easier for an accused criminal to be bailed if there is no risk to the community.

Under previous laws, every criminal charge carried an automatic bail presumption, either in favour, against or neutral.

Under new laws, the presumption has been abolished. Instead, a case-by-case risk assessment model is adopted and bail is determined based on whether the accused poses a serious risk to community safety, is likely to commit further crimes or is likely to abscond.

Accused criminals can re-apply for bail if previous concerns can be mitigated by strict conditions.

Then-premier Barry O'Farrell and then-attorney-general Greg Smith said the new bail system was "simpler" and would eliminate the "presumptions" system because it was too often "resulting in bail decisions which sometimes don't seem to make sense".

Murder was one offence that had an automatic presumption against bail under the old system.

"Our reforms will ensure the risk to the community is the first thing taken into account," Mr O'Farrell said when announcing the reforms in 2012.

A file photo from Facebook of Steve Fesus.

Mr Fesus has been ordered to report to Wollongong police station twice daily, not to approach prosecution witnesses and to forfeit $1000 if he breaches his bail.